Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Contents
December 2020
VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 5
16-17 On the Cover
Southern ENT Specialists
[16-17]
22-23
Sweet Holiday Delights
26-27
Jyl Craven Hair Design
28 Artist Profile
Sherry Cook
[28] [22-23] [26-27] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
04
.......................... Perspective
06
.............................. Calendar
10
................. Woodstock Notes
11
.................... Community Life
14
........................ Public Safety
15
........................ Book Review
18
................... Senator Speaks
20
............... Community Partner
30
.................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Publisher’s Perspective
Building Our
Character
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Anderson, Stacy Brown, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Patti Richter, Andy Rogers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace, Ferdinand Yates
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
Also available online at
FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Woodstock Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Towne Lake, downtown Woodstock up to Hickory Flat and toward the Roswell border. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Woodstock Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
© 2020 All rights reserved. Source – Maney.us/blog/2020/08/09/fathersantosh-madanu-righteousness-that-comesfrom-faith
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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Mutai did not know Spanish and did not understand. Yet Fernández was diligent and directed him further; Fernández pushed Mutai to victory. A reporter asked Iván, ‘Why did you do this?’ Iván replied, ‘My dream is that one day we can have some sort of community life where we push ourselves and help each other win.’ The reporter insisted ‘But why did you
The worst type of loss is one from which we do not learn. However, darker still is winning what we never earned. Our values are transmitted from generation to generation. Being of gentle men and fair ladies should not be things of times past. Kindness and compassion need to remain on our minds and in our homes. Our communities are better when we value and teach the joy of being a blessing to others. So, I hope you find an opportunity to give a bit of your valuable time and priceless spirit to someone in need. Today, I hope you, too, find yourself blessed.
Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com
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“Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was only a few meters from the finish line, but got confused with the signs and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. A Spanish man, Iván Fernández, was right behind him and, realizing what was going on, started shouting to the Kenyan to keep running.
Fernández knew there would be no merit to such a “victory,” that there would be no honor in defeating a man who was just lost. The race was won by Mutai, the fastest runner in the race. He deserved to cross the finish line. Honor and integrity — the bliss of doing the right thing — went to a good sportsman who taught many that victory can be had by being a blessing to others.
ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com
M AG A ZI
N
There are moments in life when true victory rises from selfless acts of encouragement and the will to drive others. One such moment happened during a cross country race:
let the Kenyan win?’ Ivan replied, ‘I didn’t let him win, he was going to win. The race was his.’”
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uch goes into building our character, and I daresay, not much of it is pleasant. True character and integrity arent usually made of sunshine, smiles, and tea bubbles. Most of the time, tears, blood, and gristle are what forge a successful young adult from his/her humble beginnings as a child.
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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Aging in Place in the Garden By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] Like gardeners, gardens age and change with time. Unfortunately, the trajectories of ability of the gardener to perform maintenance and the garden’s demand for it often diverge greatly. There are often lots of challenges with gardening as we age. Many eventually move to a new residence, leaving behind years of hard work and memories. Gardening is a beneficial activity, especially for seniors. It’s an enjoyable form of exercise that helps to maintain and build strength and mobility. Recent scientific studies show that even low to moderate levels of gardening help reduce stress and anxiety. Here are a few adjustments to make gardening more manageable as we age:
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Keep the Body Willing and Able $ Stretching before and after gardening can help keep a gardener’s body in working order. After stretching, it is recommended to begin the day with the more physically demanding tasks. $ Proper posture while bending, lifting with legs and not the back, and carrying materials close to the body will decrease the risk of injury. $ Regular breaks or alternating strenuous tasks with lighter duty ones can keep fatigue and cramps away. Proper Tools Make Light Work $ Keeping tools sharp will reduce the effort needed as well as the chance of disease in your plants. $ Make sure to match a tool’s size to the job, but most importantly, make sure it matches your body. $ Many tool companies have ergonomic options that are designed to work better with our bodies and joints. $ Adaptations to existing tools can also reduce strain. Aftermarket pistol-grip
style handles can be added to hand tools, and D-shaped handles can be added to longer handled tools. Adapt the Garden Design $ Widen paths with a firm foundation to improve access and reduce potential tripping hazards. $ Plantings of annual flowers and vegetables can be done in containers near the home. $ Adding a raised garden structure reduces bending and squatting. $ Minimize annual plantings by choosing lower maintenance options like shrubs and ornamental grasses. $ Reduce the number of plants. Negative space is good and will highlight remaining shrubs and flowers.
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee
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Calendar Due to recent public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.
DECEMBER
This initiative honors pets who need our help. Visit local pet stores and enlist their help in collecting supplies for local shelters and rescue groups. Ask stores if you can put out a collection poster with a wish list (HauteDogs.org/santapaws has templates). Be DECEMBER IS sure to contact shelters in your area that will OPERATION benefit from your efforts and let them know they SANTA have an ally in their mission to help animals.
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Hugs in a Blanket Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is accepting new blankets and slipper socks for residents of the Canton Nursing Center. Donations accepted Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@ cherokeega.com, PlayCherokee.org
PAWS
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Santa’s Letters Do you want your child to receive a special letter from Santa? If so, drop off correspondence to Santa at the North Pole mailbox in the Cherokee Recreation Center. Santa will reply to each letter. Parents, if your child’s handwriting is not legible, please leave a special note for Santa’s elves. FREE! Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
1-11 ONGOING Woodstock Farm Fresh Market Each Saturday through December 19, visit Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market. Vendors are required to grow at least 85% of the product they sell to ensure this is the best market in the region. 8:30am-12:00pm, Market Street, Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com/farm-fresh-market
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
Santa’s Calling If you’d like Santa and his elves to call your child(ren) this year, please complete the Santa’s Calling request form on the Cherokee Recreation & Parks website. Mail, drop off at the Recreation Center, or email the form by December 11. FREE! Santa and his elves
Woodstock Walkers Meet up with other local seniors every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get your daily low-impact exercise. 8:00am, Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov
will make calls 5:30-7:30pm on December 14, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock.770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@cherokeega.com, PlayCherokee.org
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Santa Mail — Children can drop off letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox, and Santa will respond with a personalized letter just before Christmas! Please remember to include a return address. No classroom projects, please. The Park at City Center Gazebo, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1955. WoodstockGa.gov
2, 9, & 16
Midweek Wednesday Advent Services 11:00am (streamed on the website) and 7:30pm, Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-928-2812. TLCWoodstock.org
Masters Disc Golf On Tuesdays and Fridays, seniors ages 50+ can get together to play disc golf. The whole course takes less than one hour to finish. Discs provided or bring your own. Please call or visit the website to register. 9:00am, Dupree Park, 513 Neese Road, Woodstock. 678-445-6518. WoodstockGa.gov
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2020 Jingle Mingle Improv Comedy Night and Silent Auction This event is sponsored by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. The $40 ticket includes a silent auction, the improv show, one drink ticket, and a Jingle Mingle souvenir glass. Proceeds will benefit the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation to assist with the Shop with a Hero event. 6:00-8:00pm, Elm Street Arts Village City Center Theater, 8534 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org/ event/2020-jingle-mingle-comedy-night
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Electronics Recycling Event The Cherokee County Recycling Center in partnership with Premier Surplus, Inc. is hosting this drive-thru event. People should remain in their car, and volunteers will take all equipment from the vehicle. Items accepted at no charge include personal computers, laptops, modems, floppy/disk drives, printers, UPS batteries, CD-ROMS, fax machines, cell phones, circuit boards, copiers, phones, PC power supplies, stereos/VCRs/CD players, scanners, keyboards, typewriters, toner cartridges, computer mouse/mice, text equipment, wire/cabling, PC monitors, and networking equipment. Items accepted for a fee include televisions ($20), CRT monitors ($5), and large projection TVs ($40). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 770-516-4195.
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Canes & Cocoa — Bundle up the family for a fun-filled day, starting with a candy cane hunt for children ages 1-9. Following the hunt, enjoy hot cocoa, holiday snacks, last minute shopping, “sleigh” rides on a tractor, and SO much more. You never know what special guest might show up! Pre-registration required due to limited space. Check-in 9:30am, hunt 10:00am, JJ Biello Park, 175 Brooke
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
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3-23
Holiday Lights of Hope This event features a huge walkthru Christmas light display with more than two million lights, visits with Santa, and so much more. It’s the new Christmas tradition for kids of ALL ages! Kids 14 and under are FREE! All others are $10 per person. Proceeds benefit the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. 6:00pm, Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. HolidayLightsOfHope.com
Holly Springs Christmas Parade Enjoy floats, marching bands, dance groups, and more. The parade begins at the intersection of Mountain Brook Drive and Holly Springs Parkway and makes its way to Holly Springs Elementary School on Hickory Road. For the complete route, please visit the website. 1:30pm, Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-3455536. HollySpringsGa.us/christmasparade
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Christmas Jubilee “Reverse” Drive-Thru Parade of Lights In this reverse parade, the floats remain stationary while guests drive by in their vehicles to see them. Please visit the website for specific details. 5:30-8:30pm, Woodstock. WoodstockGa.gov
6, 13, 20, & 27 Holiday Movie Series — Bring the family to enjoy FREE traditional holiday movies. A DJ will spin tunes prior to the start of the film. 7:00pm music, 8:00pm movie, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 678-540-7040. TheOutletShoppesAtAtlanta.com
10 & 17
YPOW AM Join other young professionals for coffee and networking, featuring an informal chat with a local leader. This is a FREE event, but please RSVP, as space is limited. 7:00-8:30am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org/events
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Morning INfluence Breakfast is served, as Ann Jordan, principal of Woodstock Elementary School, gives a brief presentation at this networking affair. This is a FREE event, but please RSVP, as space is limited. 8:00-9:00am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-592-6056. InWdstk.org/events [continued on page 8]
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Holiday Sip + Shop Take advantage of special deals at your favorite shops, and enjoy light bites and festive beverages along the way. Find the perfect gift while you discover new merchants you’ll love and the latest fashions you cannot be without. Pick up your tote and directory of participating merchants and register for prizes at the Woodstock Visitors Center at the historic Dean’s Store (8588 Main Street). Tickets $10 per person. 5:00-9:00pm, downtown Woodstock. 770-924-0406. VisitWoodstockGa.com/locations/downtown-woodstock
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Calendar continued from page 7
DECEMBER ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS
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Designer Purse and Mancave Bingo — Enjoy exciting raffles and bingo prizes that will make great holiday gifts. This event helps the Rotary Club of Towne Lake raise funds for service projects in the community. Tickets are available on the website. 6:00pm, His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock. RotarySignUp.com
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Free First Aid and Stop the Bleed Class — This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am First Aid; 1:00pm Stop the Bleed, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org
17-19
National Wreaths Across America In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, this event will be spread out over a three-day period. Thursday and Friday are for families and those wishing to place a wreath on one or more specific gravesites as well as for volunteers who wish to avoid congestion. On Saturday, the remaining wreaths will be placed. Masks and social distancing will be required.
12/13 Geminid Meteor Shower 12/14 Total Solar Eclipse 12/21 Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction
The ceremony will be virtual this year. For information on volunteering or sponsoring a wreath, please visit the website. 9:00am-3:00pm, Georgia National Cemetery, 101 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. 770-973-1422. Tom@wilder-realty. com, GANationalCemetery.org
18-24
A Christmas Carol “Gather and sing of this glorious thing known as Christmas together” with this annual holiday musical! Tables seat 6-8 people. Tickets $11$80; recommended for ages 5+ (some scary moments, mild and brief language). Friday 7:30pm and Saturday-Thursday 2:30pm (no Monday performance), Elm Street Event Green, 113 Elm Street, Woodstock.678-494-4251. ElmStreetArts.org
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Swim With the Grinch — The cost is $10 per child and includes a goody bag, open swim with the Grinch, and pool games. 10:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net
21-23, 29-30
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service With Holy Communion 11:00am, 5:00pm, and 7:30pm (streamed on the website). Timothy Lutheran Church, 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-9282812. TLCWoodstock.org
26-1/15
Christmas Tree Chip & Dip — Throw away your Christmas tree the environmental way! Bring your old tree to be fed into the woodchipper. Then, the following week, bring a shovel to the park and “dip” into the free mulch. This Bring One for the Chipper event is sponsored by the Keep Georgia Beautiful campaign and the City of Woodstock Stormwater Department. FREE tree seedlings will be available on 1/9 from 9:00am-4:00pm. Please no flocked, painted, or decorated trees (they poison the waterways). 8:00am to dusk, Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x 1709. WoodstockGa.gov
SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. Camp includes pool fun, arts and crafts, and off-site field trips. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:006:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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Create Some
Holiday Cheer By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] These past nine months have been stressful for many but especially for our elderly, as they have endured longer/stricter quarantines because they are more vulnerable to COVID-19. During this time, Senior Services staff members have been very creative with programming and the delivery of services to clients. They have provided virtual programming such as exercise classes and bingo. Staff members have also dressed up in costumes to sing and dance in front of clients’ homes to cheer them up. One person even dressed up like a duck and allowed seniors to throw water balloons at her and squirt her with water guns. The videos and photos from that day are priceless — lots of big smiles on the faces of seniors. Other ways Senior Services brought smiles to seniors’ faces: $ Purchased fresh fruit and vegetables from a farmer’s market to deliver to homebound clients $ Visited clients’ homes for a Halloween trick-or-treat surprise $ Provided weekly outdoor/socially distanced meetings at Ball Ground Senior Center to allow clients to visit each other $ Delivered Thursday Fun Lunches The holiday season is upon us, which is a great time to do something creative for the older adults in your life. You may have elderly neighbors who have been in isolation since March, and just reaching out to them could brighten their day. Each year, Senior Services holds its Adopt a Senior Program to ensure all clients receive something for Christmas. If you would like to help, please contact Cherokee County Senior Services for more information. L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Woodstock Notes
Holiday Safety Tips From City of Woodstock By Stacy Brown
C
ity of Woodstock Police Department and City of Woodstock Fire and Rescue have some tips to help keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe this holiday season. Taking the time to think through scenarios related to gift buying, and even trimming the tree, can make a big difference.
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Check the water in live Christmas trees daily. Dried out trees pose a greater fire risk. Turn off your holiday lights before leaving the house or going to sleep. Decorating for the holidays provides a great opportunity to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and go over an emergency exit plan with all the members of your household. When cooking holiday meals with small children present, use the back burners of the stove instead of the front when possible and turn pot handles to the rear.
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
Always lock your doors at your home and keep gifts out of sight. If there is a new TV or other expensive electronics in the house, don’t advertise to criminals on trash day by leaving boxes visible outside of garbage cans. Break down merchandise packaging fully and place it inside your trash bin. Lock your cars and bring any valuables inside. Don’t leave purses and packages in plain sight. Do not leave firearms in your automobile. Never leave your car running and unattended in your driveway, especially if there are children in the car. Avoid porch pirates by having packages delivered to work, leaving specific instructions for delivery drivers, installing security cameras, networking with your neighbors, or using a smart lock.
When shopping at night, stay alert and park in well-lit areas of parking lots. If the store doesn’t provide carts, don’t purchase more than you can carry and have your car keys out before you leave the store.
When shopping with children, create a plan for what to do if you are accidentally separated.
When shopping online, be sure your computer is safe by installing antivirus software. Also, use secure websites for purchases. Look for “https” in the URL.
The City of Woodstock wishes you a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the City of Woodstock. 770-592-6056. WoodstockGa.gov
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Community Leading By Feeding The graduates of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cherokee from 2012-2019 were recently challenged to secure contributions for local food pantries. The Leadership Cherokee Leading by Feeding campaign generated 10,455 donated items, ranging from fruits and vegetables to diapers and paper products, which was a 24.5% increase in collections over the 2019 campaign. “Leading by Feeding supported those in our community who need a helping hand by filling the pantries of both the organizations who coordinate the pantries and the families in need,” shared Pam Carnes, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. For the second year in a row, the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2019 collected the most items, totaling 4,188. The class received the Golden Can Award, signifying their commitment to the community and volunteerism. The local Chamber member food pantries supported through the Leading by Feeding initiative included Encompass Ministries – Papa’s Pantry, MUST Cherokee, and Never Alone.
CCWSA's Essay Contest Winner and Photography Contest Announcement Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) announced the winner of the “Imagine a Day Without Water” essay contest is Campbell Munsey from Etowah High School. To learn more about the value of water, visit TheValueOfWater.org. The CCWSA photography contest -- Cherokee County Waterways Then and Now – is open to students in grades K-12. Two winners will be selected, one from K-6th and one from 7th-12th grades. You must have an old original photo from Cherokee County that contains a waterway, mill, dam, or fish weir along with a current photo of the same location. Submissions must include a 50-100 word narrative explaining the photo and the local resource used (e.g., family and friends who grew up in the area, Cherokee County History Museum, Funk Heritage Center, Allatoona Dam, Woodstock Visitors Center, etc.). Winners will receive $50 and a framed copy of their winning photo. Submission deadline is December 17. Email submissions to Lori. Forrester@ccwsa.com along with the photo’s title, narrative, and the student’s name, school, and grade. Please call 770-479-1813 x246 for more information.
Cherokee Recreation & Parks Receives $250,000 Grant Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative recently awarded the Kenney Askew Memorial Park and Richard Mauldin Sports Complex a $250,000 grant. Pilgrim’s, a leading global food company, operates seven Georgia plants including one in Canton. This company plans to invest $20 million in cities nationwide.
Front Row (L-R) Janet Ponichtera, Family Life Publications; Kyle Porter, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Brooke Ford, Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services; Eric Rein, Renasant Bank. Back Row (L-R) Guillermo Sanabia, WellStar Health System; Jason Blakely, Credit Union of Georgia; Brett Timmer, United Community Bank
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
“We applied for the grant several weeks ago and are thrilled to be announced as a recipient,” said Cherokee County Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds. “The county will match the grant money, using funds from the Special Local Option Sales Tax, to make improvements to Kenny Askew Memorial Park and the Richard Mauldin Sports Complex.” Planned improvements include adding a walking track, picnic pavilion, playground, skate park, and an additional overflow parking lot. Existing features slated to be enhanced include the T-ball field, pickleball courts, and park landscaping.
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Community
Volunteer Aging Council Hosts Successful Golf Fundraiser This year’s Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Golf Tournament benefiting low-income seniors of Cherokee County raised $18,723. VAC appreciates the event sponsors, players, and volunteers, with special thanks to Northside Hospital Cherokee for being the top sponsor. The first-place team (pictured) was Daryl Rice, Rusty Stephens, Charles Worley, and Joey Buice. The VAC is still in need of donations to continue its mission of helping less fortunate seniors. Please email Deanna Gale at DLGale@cherokeega.com for more information.
Bethesda Community Clinic Mobile Testing Unit Assists With COVID-19 Testing Last spring, using funding from the CARES Act, the Board of Commissioners provided $175,000 to Bethesda Community Clinic (BCC) for the purchase of a mobile testing unit to assist with COVID-19 testing in Cherokee County. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the mobile testing unit will also provide services for routine physicals, health screenings, health education, women’s exams, and chronic care. “This year alone, Bethesda has treated nearly 5,000 patients, up from 3,300 in 2019, and has also distributed over $4 million in free medications using the Patient Assistance Program,” said BCC’s Executive Director Melissa Belfried.
Preservation Woodstock Recognizes Citizen of the Year The 2020 recipient of the Barbara G. Ingram Citizen of the Year Award is Pastor Carl Moore, Sr. Preservation Woodstock, Inc., presents this award every year to a Woodstock area citizen who has made notable contributions toward the preservation of the city’s heritage. Pastor Moore is a steadfast reminder of what loyalty is. After becoming the senior pastor at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church in downtown Woodstock in 1993, Pastor Moore brought together people from all walks of life and of all colors of skin. Through sermons, music, and community events, Pastor Moore demonstrated by words and actions that everyone could work together for the common good of their community.
BCC is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Canton, that is dedicated to providing quality, affordable health care services to Cherokee County uninsured and under-insured citizens.
He served as the church’s lead pastor for 24 years, seeing an expansion to a new modern sanctuary on Arnold Mill Road. He started the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast to commemorate the holiday, which grew from a small gathering to now drawing more than 500 people. Pastor Moore, along with his wife Gloria, devoted time and talents to bring forth diversity, inclusion, and integration to a small town, rich in history and heritage. He currently volunteers his time, singing and reading the Bible at a senior living home in Woodstock.
For more information, visit BCCCherokee.com or call 678-880-9654.
In his honor, the City of Woodstock has dedicated a one-mile stretch of Arnold Mill Road as “Pastor Carl A. Moore, Sr. Parkway.”
BCC is also working with the Cherokee County School District, food pantries, and churches to make the mobile testing unit available to families who are uninsured and in need of medical care.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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Community Cherokee Parks Volunteers Earn State Honors Two Cherokee County Recreation & Parks volunteers were recognized during a Board of Commissioners meeting. Jason Nelms, center, is pictured with, from left, Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director; TJ Imberger, vice chair of the Georgia Recreation & Park Association; Shawn Schumacher, athletic director for Cherokee Recreation & Parks; and Jordan Wood, parks division director.
Jason Nelms, former District 4 commissioner and longtime Recreation & Parks advisory board member, was awarded the Georgia Recreation & Park Association (GRPA) Volunteer of the Year, and Delaine Cagle, accounts and reports manager for Cherokee County, was presented the GRPA Programmer’s Network Volunteer of the Year award. “It is always an honor to recognize volunteers for giving back to the community, but to see two of our very own here in Cherokee County being honored at the state level is a tremendous honor not only for them, but us, too,” said Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director. “Both Delaine and Jason are staples in our community and are well deserving for what they do.” Cagle was selected as the GRPA Programmer’s Network Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Leisure Spectrum program. She volunteers on Tuesday evenings working with special needs youth.
(L-R): TJ Imberger, vice chair of the Georgia Recreation & Parks Association; Delaine Cagle, Cherokee County accounts and reports manager; Lauren Voss, Recreation director; and Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director.
Nelms was recognized as the State Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding dedication to Recreation & Parks for the last 10 years. His volunteer work includes coach, board member, and president of Cherokee Youth Football Association; member and chairman of the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Advisory Board; and coach for Cherokee Youth Basketball.
City of Woodstock Awards Grants to Local Food Pantries and CCSD At a recent City of Woodstock meeting of the mayor and council, Mayor Donnie Henriques presented grant funding to local food pantries to assist in serving city residents who have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local nonprofits operating food pantries that serve city residents were eligible to apply. One-time grants ranging from $2,500$10,000 were presented to the following organizations: Bascomb Mission Thrift, Encompass Ministries, MUST Ministries, Never Alone, Timothy Lutheran Church, and Woodstock First Baptist.
Never Alone
The City also awarded a one-time grant to the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) to allow for the purchase of additional mobile Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity devices for schools that serve City of Woodstock students. The schools will distribute the devices to children who live in city limits engaged in digital learning. Cherokee County School District
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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Public Safety
Celebrating
ACCOMPLISHMENTS in a Year Like No Other By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
As
we come to the end of 2020, it’s safe to say that everyone is hoping the new year will reset our world back to pre-pandemic times. The past nine months have certainly been challenging. While there’s no way to predict when we’ll be back to normal, it’s important to acknowledge all that we have accomplished and overcome. Throughout the pandemic, those of us in the judicial system have continued essential work, with everyone working collaboratively to develop a means to conduct procedures remotely beginning in March and continuing through the year. By using technology, face coverings, and/ or social distancing, Cherokee County’s Office of the District Attorney has provided services to 1,603 victims, conducted 551 remote hearings, and formally accused 342 cases from March 13 through the end of October. After months of careful planning, Cherokee County began to conduct grand jury proceedings again this fall, adhering to guidelines outlined by the Georgia Supreme Court and our own Superior Court. Over the course of three days in October, 101 grand jury indictments were presented; in November, 96 were presented. Cherokee County Superior Court has developed a plan to conduct face-to-face court and jury trials, which are expected to begin soon. 14
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
In addition to our work in court, other success stories include: New Special Victims Unit — The Office of the District Attorney established a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to provide enhanced prosecution of crimes against children and the elderly. The new unit is led by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper, who has more than 13 years of prosecution experience. Gropper has spent the entirety of her career handling the prosecution of crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable populations. Investigator of the Year — Kathleen Tallent, an investigator in our office, was honored by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia as Investigator of the Year. This statewide honor reflects her dedication and service to crime victims in Cherokee County. In 2019, after uncovering a murder conspiracy, Tallent initiated an investigation, which likely saved a young man’s life. Domestic Violence Task Force of the Year — The Georgia Commission on Family Violence announced that the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force was selected as Task Force of the Year. Members of the Office of the District Attorney are active participants in this task force, which is comprised of government agencies, community-based agencies, survivors of family violence, and concerned community members and professionals. The group meets monthly with the goal to strengthen and sustain coordinated community response to family violence in our county. Service to the Community — Throughout the year, our employees take part in service projects that benefit citizens of Cherokee County. Whether it’s donating back-to-school supplies, collecting gifts for children in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), providing Christmas gifts for the elderly, or helping other organizations in need, our employees have big hearts and truly care about this community. Whatever the new year brings, we remain committed to serving and protecting Cherokee County residents and ensuring victims have a voice. Holiday blessings to you all, and a happy New Year!
Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/District-Attorneys-Office
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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC
ANXIOUS PEOPLE A
nxious People, by Fredrik Backman, is about a bank robbery. But it is also about a group of people who help each other in ways that they could not have fathomed. It is about the mistakes we make, and the grief we feel. It is about the anxiety that swirls around us, and the decisions we make when our back is against the wall. It is about desperation, and how a group of idiots can save you from it. Backman brings together an unlikely cast of characters: a bank robber, a bank executive, an old lady, an irritated pregnant woman and her partner, an unlikely pair of house flippers, a real estate agent whose agency has a ridiculous name, and a man with a very odd job. As this group is held hostage by the bank robber, all their anxieties come to light. But during it all, they form a bond. And in the end, they are joined by another unlikely pair to help save the one of them who truly needs it. Anxious People will make you laugh at the ridiculous things that some of the characters say and do. It will make you weep over the choices that others made when they felt like they had nowhere to go. And most of all, it will help you realize that you cannot save everyone. But it is enough to save those we can. In a time when anxiety is at an all-time high for many, this book reminds us that we all are anxious about something, so in that, we are not alone.
Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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15
COVER STORY By Patti Richter
SOUTHERN ENT EXPANDS TO WOODSTOCK boundary. He served his local community as a medical assistant at an ENT office prior to attending medical school.
T
he city of Woodstock has continued to thrive in 2020, and one medical practice in Canton added to its growth. Southern ENT Specialists was founded just three years ago by Dr. James Courtney French, who chose this city for the site of his second location. Dr. French is excited to announce the recent opening of the office on Eagle Drive in Woodstock’s Towne Lake area. The new office welcomes patients four days a week — Tuesday through Friday. Practice Administrator Kristen Stackfleth, who helped establish Southern ENT Specialists, credits the practice’s growth to Dr. French’s integrated approach to medicine and his reputation for getting results.
Dr. French graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta before his completion of medical school and residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Southern California. After his residency, Dr. French returned to his roots in Georgia and spent more than 10 years working for a large group ENT practice in Alpharetta before establishing his own practice. The doctor’s caring, compassionate manner gained a large following of patients from his years in metro Atlanta, Stackfleth says, “but Dr. French wanted his own practice, which would allow him more control regarding staff selection and time spent with patients. He prides himself in the thorough explanation of treatment options, customized to each patient’s needs.” The doctor also values “Southern hospitality,” which served to inspire the name of his practice.
From East Point to Cherokee County
Individualized Care
Dr. French is a board-certified otolaryngologist — head and neck surgeon. Referred to as ENTs (ear, nose, and throat surgeons), these physicians have at least 13 years of graduate and postgraduate training to complete before testing for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Dr. French is in his element treating all sinus-related problems for those who can’t breathe, can’t smell, and those with infections or chronic post-nasal drip. His strengths include providing a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the individual and helping those with chronic sinus conditions.
This choice of medical specialty was no surprise to those who know Dr. French, who grew up in the city of East Point, which forms part of Atlanta’s southern
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
While Dr. French provides both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, he specializes in balloon sinuplasty — an in-office alternative to traditional sinus surgery. He has performed this procedure for many years, starting with its inception during initial clinical trials. With such extensive experience, the doctor has trained physicians from around the country in performing this and other sinus surgeries. According to Southern ENT’s website, there are great benefits in choosing balloon sinuplasty over traditional sinus surgery performed under general anesthesia. Besides the cost-saving factor, this technique only requires a local anesthetic and about a third of the medication needed for surgical patients. It also takes around a third of the recovery time (an average 1.6 days compared to 4.8 days). Dr. French also performs many surgeries having to do with the head and neck for cosmetic concerns. His nonsurgical aesthetic procedures using injectable filler products effectively stand in place of facial plastic surgery. He is very skilled at these procedures, according to Stackfleth. Dr. French can recommend and provide skin care products for those looking to improve skin hydration and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. In both 2019 and 2020, Dr. French received a “Top Doctor” award as one of the best otolaryngologists in the nation by Castle Connolly, a physician-led team of researchers who follow a rigorous
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selection process that screens thousands of doctors nominated by their peers. Dr. French has also been recognized by GA Top Doctors and, in the metro area, by Atlanta Magazine, which named him “Top Doctor� in his field of medicine for both 2019 and 2020. Southern ENT Specialists has an audiologist on staff to assist Dr. French in evaluating hearing function to detect impairment and to determine the anatomical site involved in its cause. The audiologist assists in the selection and maintenance of hearing aids and also helps with balance disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) through testing and treatment plans for those affected.
In Woodstock While Dr. French is seeing patients in both the Canton and Woodstock locations, the new office is anchored by Keevil Helmly, P.A., whose 25-plus-years of ENT experience as a physician assistant include the training and management of professional providers. The Woodstock location will also accept new patients and offer allergy testing, in-office procedures, and evaluation of sleep problems, snoring, and aesthetics.
1816 Eagle Drive, Building 200, Suite B
678-786-7430
SouthernENTSpecialists.com Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
WOODSTOCK 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 410
CANTON WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
17
Senator Speaks
“Hey Dad, Do You Have a Minute?” By State Senator Bruce Thompson
It
has been said that communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. If you love being a dad as much as I do, learning to communicate with your children is a work in progress. Just when you think you have arrived, you discover the destination has been moved. When your children are little, you learn that not every cry or whimper means the same thing. As they mature, it only becomes more complicated — or does it? You learn to decipher eye rolls, contorted body language, and even words that make no sense unless you understand the “second language.” The first time I heard “it is so fire,” “she is capping again,” or “he is so fly!” I was as confused as chameleon in a bowl of Skittles! It makes me wonder if this is what the disciples felt like when Jesus explained why he used parables to communicate in Matthew 13. “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” If we don’t seek to understand, communication with our kids can be extremely difficult, but nothing warms a dad’s heart more than hearing, “Dad, can you help me?” or “Do you have a minute to talk?”
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
As children mature, those words translate to “Hey Dad, are you busy?” Understanding this is code for “I need you,” I’ve learned to intently focus when my son or daughter opens a conversation with that phrase. Last year, my daughter was studying for a final and fell asleep, spilling coffee all over her computer. When I received her frantic call at around 4:00am, I was relieved to learn that it was only a laptop and not something more serious. After reassuring her that everything on the device was backed up and fully accessible in the cloud, she calmed down and reminded me that I always knew how to make things better. Then, there was the time my phone rang at 2:00am, “Hey Dad, are you busy, or were you sleeping?” This time, my daughter had mistyped her password too many times while using her debit card, triggering a security protocol that suspended its use. Unfortunately, she was at a restaurant with her friends and needed to pay the bill. So, I reminded her of the emergency fund hidden in her car. My favorite was just this past week, when she called to ask, “Dad, do you have a minute, or are you busy?” My typical
answer is, “I always have time for you sweetheart. What do you need?” It turns out that when she was parking at the gym, someone was double parked, and she scraped that person’s car attempting to fit into the space. This solution was a bit more complicated, but at least the call wasn’t after midnight this time. I suspect our Lord feels the same way when we bring our troubles to him. In Matthew 6:34, we are told not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to cast all our anxiety (cares) on him because he cares for us. I wonder if our Lord enjoys us coming to him with the same question, “Do you have a minute for me?” The answer to this question can be found throughout the Bible including Isaiah 62, “For the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.”
Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com
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?
Misplaced
By Pastor Andy Rogers
[InGoodFaith] As 2020 draws to a close, many of us are looking back and thinking that it was nothing like what we had hoped. When looking to 2021, ask yourself, “Where will I place my hope? In whom will I place my hope?”
For those who are struggling to find hope these days, perhaps it is not lost, but rather misplaced. Much like looking for love in all the wrong places, we are apt to do the same with hope. Skeptical? How many of us placed hope in the Braves making it to the World Series or in the losing presidential candidate? How many of us have placed our hope in good health, stable work, or solid finances only to find one or more compromised this year? And then again, how many of us, having given up hope in others, chose to put our hope within our own abilities only to disappoint ourselves? When we place our hope in things or people of this world, we are destined to be disappointed when they fail us. It can leave us not wanting to place our hope anywhere or in anyone. Like us, the Israelites sometimes struggled with misplaced hope. In Psalm 130:7, we find the writer calling the people to “put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” This is great advice for us in the new year. Hope is not lost. Whether a believer, seeker, or skeptic, I challenge you to consider what might come of placing your hope more fully in the Lord. The psalmist reminds us God offers unfailing love and the power to redeem both our circumstances and our lives. If you need love and redemption, consider putting your hope in God in 2021. L
Andy Rogers is lead pastor at The Way | Woodstock United Methodist Church, 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-516-0371. TheWayWoodstock.com
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
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19
Give a Kid a Chance
Community Partner Give a Kid a Chance (GAKAC) is a program designed to help children in Cherokee County start each new school year on the right foot. In 2006, several members of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church in Canton were inspired to begin an outreach, based on a successful backto-school program for single-parent families at Milford Church of God in Austell. They wanted to start a similar ministry in Cherokee, offering local students every possible advantage, as they begin a new school year. In 2009, the organization was chosen by Cherokee County School District as a Partner in Education.
This year, GAKAC celebrated its 15th year of giving back to the community by supplying students in need with haircuts, clothing, socks and undies, medical screenings, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Since 2006, the event has grown from serving 100 kids to serving 3,000 kids each year. What started with three church congregations gathering to make a difference has grown into more than 75 churches, ministries, civic groups, individuals, and local businesses working together to help over 33,200 students get ready for the new school year. The organization is 100% run by volunteers, with no paid staff. This ensures that every dollar donated goes directly back to serving community needs. Most of the volunteers on the GAKAC leadership team also work full time jobs. The team is made up of Cherokee County school employees, accountants, teachers, students, and others. Director Cory Steinburg has
been with the organization for 10 years and was recently recognized for her hard work by receiving the Hometown Hero Award from Modern Woodmen. The program consists of each child receiving a new backpack full of the basic needed school supplies; two pairs of brand new socks and underwear; two gently used outfits; books; stuffed animals; medical screenings for vision, dental, and hearing; free haircuts; and lunch for the entire family at the annual Back to School Bash. The Bash happens once a year in two locations: First Baptist Church of Canton and Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Roughly 2,500 students attend the event each year to gear up for back to school. While this year looked very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, GAKAC was still able to gather the support to provide filled backpacks, stuffed animals, and books to more than 2,700 Cherokee County students. The goal of the organization is to help families in need start the school year on a steady foot. The vision is to help children help themselves to a better education and a better future.
Cory Steinburg and Nitasha Ginn meeting with the Towne Lake Optimist Club.
Kathy Bertaccini, Brandy Thierry, and Chris Taylor of the registration team at the 2020 event.
Volunteers from Southeast Restoration, a long-time partner, help transport the backpacks for the event.
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
“We consider ourselves lucky to be part of a community that so readily gives back to those in need,” says one of the event’s organizers, Nitasha Ginn. “Each year is a gift for us, as we see the hearts and souls of Cherokee County citizens through their generosity and kindness.”
To donate or to get more information about how you can help, please visit GiveAKidAChance.org. Add
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S
willing Family Law Firm, LLC was founded in March 2020 by attorney Melody Swilling with the goal to help families with their unique needs when it comes to navigating the court system. Swilling has 12 years of experience in complex family law matters and draws on her early career in consumer bankruptcy to understand the financial concerns in these types of cases. Swilling personally manages each case with a hands-on approach, and she is accompanied by an experienced team to ensure that clients understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what the plan options are for their cases. Swilling and her staff are committed to providing a tailored approach to navigating complex family law related issues. She has extensive experience handling business
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
divorces, custody modifications, temporary protective orders and domestic violence, and advocating for same-sex families and their unique struggles. Swilling also serves as a guardian ad litem where she acts as the court’s expert to help make a recommendation to the judge as to custody and visitation when the parties cannot agree. She believes that parents should control their children’s futures when possible and is a proud member of the Amicable Divorce Network as well as a trained mediator. A family law case can often be one of the most stressful periods in a person’s life. Change is happening, and many decisions may feel outside of a person’s control. Swilling believes an informed client is better equipped to understand
the next move in a case, whether it’s regarding a parenting Melody Swilling schedule or a financial matter, which is why she and her staff are diligent in setting realistic expectations while imparting honest advice and quality professional services. Swilling Family Law Firm, LLC strives to provide personalized problem-solving strategies that keep your family’s unique issues in mind.
11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 172 Alpharetta, GA 30022 678-710-8868 SwillingFamilyLaw.com
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21
It’s
that time of year when many of us have visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, as we labor over a hot oven preparing dozens of baked concoctions
for the next holiday cookie swap party. But, wait, why not mix it up and do a candy exchange instead? Check out the following options, then either trade with your friends or keep the whole
batch for your next family gathering. Some recipes require a candy thermometer, wax/parchment paper, cooking spray, or plastic wrap, so be sure to read the procedure before heading to the store for supplies.
Classic Christmas Divinity 2 cups granulated sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup nuts of your choice, chopped Procedure • Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a glass casserole dish. • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 minutes. • Remove the dish from the microwave, take off the plastic wrap, and stir the mixture well.
• Return the mixture to the microwave uncovered, and microwave on high for another 4-5 minutes or until it reaches 250-266 degrees Fahrenheit when a candy thermometer is inserted. • While allowing the mixture to cool for about 4 minutes, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff. • Add the sugar mixture to the egg whites, beating constantly until the combination starts to lose its gloss and begins to hold together (about 4-5 minutes). • Stir in the vanilla and nuts. • Drop tablespoon-sized amounts onto wax paper, allow to stiffen, and enjoy.
Sparkling White Chocolate Lemon Balls 10 ounces white chocolate chips 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon corn syrup 1 drop lemon oil/extract 1/2 lemon, zested Coarse white sugar for garnish
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
White Chocolate Coated Graham Crackers With Peppermint 10 ounces white chocolate chips 8 graham crackers Crushed candy canes for garnish Procedure • Microwave the white chocolate chips for 1 minute and stir thoroughly. If not completely melted, microwave in 15-second intervals until smooth. • Dip each graham cracker in the melted white chocolate and coat on both sides • Use a fork to place the coated graham cracker on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. • Sprinkle crushed peppermint on the top of each graham cracker, allow to set, and enjoy.
Procedure • Add the white chocolate and butter to a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir a few times, then microwave for 30 more seconds. • Combine heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edges. Do not bring to a full, rolling boil. • Pour the cream mixture over the melted chocolate/butter and stir to combine. • Add the lemon oil/extract and lemon zest, then stir to combine. • Place the mixture in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours. • Remove from the fridge and scoop out teaspoons of chocolate with a melon scooper or small spoon, then roll into balls. • Coat the balls in the coarse white sugar. Add
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Southern Pecan Pralines 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, spread pecans on a baking sheet, toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, then allow them to cool. • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. • In a saucepan, add sugar, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook over high heat until a candy thermometer reaches 235 degrees Fahrenheit (soft ball stage). • Remove from heat then add the pecans and vanilla, stirring vigorously until the mixture becomes thick. • Quickly drop 1/4 cup amounts onto the prepared baking sheets, allow to set/crystalize, and enjoy.
Sugar-Dusted Cinnamon Candy Peanut Butter Brownie Truffles 1 box fudge brownie mix 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/8 cup peanut butter for garnish Procedure • Prepare brownies according to package instructions and allow to cool. • Use a tablespoon to scoop up a bit of brownie batter, then roll it in your hands to form an even ball. Continue this process until all the batter is in balls. • Place each ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for 1-2 hours. • Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a saucepan over low-medium heat until smooth. • Place each frozen brownie ball into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until evenly coated, remove with a fork, and place back on the parchment paper. • Once all brownie balls are coated with the chocolate/peanut butter mixture, melt the remaining peanut butter and drizzle it over the truffles with a spoon. • Place the truffles in the fridge for about 20 mins to set, then enjoy.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup Dash of salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon oil 3-4 drops red food coloring Powdered sugar for dusting
Procedure • Bring sugar, corn syrup, and salt to a boil until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer. • Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the food coloring and cinnamon oil. • Immediately pour the mixture into a parchment-lined pie pan or 8x8-inch pan. When fully hardened, gently tap the candy to crack it. • Place the candy pieces in a ziplock bag, add a few tablespoons of powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake it until the candy is evenly coated.
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23
Dental Crowns Are Worth Their Weight in By Steven Anderson, D.M.D. [HealthyLife] Have you ever been advised by a dentist that you “really should consider crowning that tooth”? And perhaps you dismissed that idea until you bit down on a piece of holiday peanut brittle and felt a crack. A dental crown/cap restoration is one of the primary ways an unstable tooth becomes stable, protected, and restored to its chewing function. It is often the best treatment for that tooth, and a clear understanding of why should help motivate you to have the procedure done as soon as possible. Whenever a tooth undergoes treatment to remove decay or disease, internal supporting tooth structure is removed. “Filling” material replaces the removed area of the tooth. When a large portion of the tooth is filled, the entire tooth becomes unstable and, if not treated with a crown, the tooth can easily fracture and be lost.
Like the familiar process of splitting firewood, large metal fillings act like wedges in a tooth. When a wedge is placed in wood and struck with a mallet, it usually splits the wood in two. Fillings that are struck repeatedly through daily chewing act like a wedge, which often results in a fractured tooth.
distributes the direct biting force, thereby removing the “wedge effect” of the large metal filling. Think about why construction workers wear hard hats. The hat has an inner band that distributes the force of a blow evenly around the head in order to protect it — just like a crown evenly distributes biting forces on a tooth.
If a fractured tooth cannot be restored, it may have to be removed. Loss of a tooth can have serious immediate and longterm ramifications to your oral health. Nearly every tooth in your mouth has an important function, and current medical knowledge confirms and continues to reveal the primary role oral health plays in your overall well-being.
Keep in mind that not all crowns are created equal. The materials your dentist uses make a big difference. Gold crowns are unique because they are plaque and bacteria resistant. However, due to the gold color, most people opt for a tooth-colored crown, which is made from porcelain and can have high quality gold foundations or lower quality nickel foundations.
A dental crown is placed over the entire biting surface of a tooth, which then evenly
Crowns made of all porcelain are usually the best option for teeth that can be seen when you smile because they will not show a dark line at the edge of your gums. Porcelain also has differing characteristics. All these factors play a role in selection as well as the final cost of a crown. A crown is an excellent option to restore an otherwise unstable tooth. Given good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups, a crown is truly “worth its weight in gold” and can restore years of function to your tooth. After all, quality dentistry should be all about you! L
Dr. Steven Anderson practices cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry at Anderson Dental of Woodstock and East Cobb. 650 Claremore Professional Way, Suite 200, Woodstock, GA 30188. 770-384-8505. DrStevenAnderson.com
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Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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25
KEEPI NG THE
Community Beautiful A
modern, clean, and inviting atmosphere are what guests first notice when they enter Jyl Craven Hair Design. Along with a vast line of professional hair care products, luxury handbags, and fun accessories, the salon is known for a welcoming hair care and shopping experience. Since 1999, owners Jyl and Jason Craven have had only one focus: to help their guests look better and feel better. As a member of the prestigious Intercoiffure America Canada, Jyl Craven Hair Design assures that guests receive the best in quality and professional expertise.
WHAT THEY DO Jyl Craven Hair Design serves men and women of all ages. Designing hairstyles that accentuate personality and complement natural features is what professionals at the salon do every day. Recently, the salon has been caring for a growing number of women challenged with hair loss. “Women with fine or thinning hair who want added volume and density now have multiple options,� said Jyl. Many of the salon’s guests experiencing hair loss are treated with haircuts that add body and density, or hair colors that add depth and dimension. For those guests in need of an alternative approach, Jyl Craven Hair Design is certified in three unique hair loss solutions, each delivering a customized approach to address the challenges of hair thinning and hair loss. 1.
Evolve Volumizer The Evolve Volumizer is a natural looking solution to hair loss, specifically engineered for women with up to 50% hair loss in the crown, and for ladies with fine, thin, and/or damaged hair.
This unique, nonsurgical, semipermanent hair integration system provides volume, texture, and color enhancement without the use of chemicals. It produces immediate results while addressing all the needs and desires that a woman has for fuller, thicker, denser hair. With minor adjustments recommended every four to five weeks, an Evolve Volumizer system can be worn for eight months to a year. 26
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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SEASONAL COLOR TRENDS Winter presents the perfect time to spice up your hair routine and introduce something new. “In cooler seasons, we recommend richer dimensional tones in the hair,” said Jyl. “This time of year is primed to enhance our hairstyles with colors like honey and almond for blonde hair or chestnut, gingerbread, and sage for darker hair.” Regardless of the guest’s hair goals for the season, the stylists at Jyl Craven Hair Design are ready to provide the cut, style, and color that complement each individual’s unique features.
KEEPING GUESTS SAFE DURING COVID-19 In addition to complying with all mandated COVID-19 requirements, the salon has gone a step further by installing Synexis biodefense systems. Relying on state-of-theart technology, the Synexis system reduces microbial contaminants from the air, thus delivering an effective treatment against odors, viruses, and bacteria. “The addition of the Synexis system has added a layer of protection to our salon environment that will keep our air cleaner and salon safer for our team and guests for years to come,” said Jason.
2. Jon Renau System For those with minimal hair loss, the salon offers Jon Renau hair loss systems. World-renowned for their high-quality hair, each Renau hairpiece has a soft, beautiful, healthy look that blends seamlessly with an individual’s natural hair. Composed of human or synthetic hair, Jon Renau hairpieces mimic one’s natural textures and hair color. “When guests choose a hair system from Jyl Craven Hair Design, our goal is to support them in their hair loss journey. We want to educate them along the way and help find a solution that restores the selfconfidence we all deserve,” said Jyl. 3. Hair Extensions For ladies thinking of a fun new hairstyle, desiring more length or texture instantly, or needing an alternative solution to hair loss, Bellami Hair Extensions might be the answer. Jyl Craven Hair Design stylists are certified in the application of Bellami extensions, the most recognized hair extension brand in the world. Bellami extensions can offer a subtle change or a complete transformation, depending on the client’s hair goals. “Whether it’s a system from Evolve or Jon Renau, or hair extensions from Bellami, our goal is to make it look like it’s the guest’s natural hair. We want our guests to always look and feel their best,” explained Jyl. Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
A Message From Jyl and Jason
“
Thank you to the entire community who have supported us and our salon families over the past 20 years. We are grateful you’ve chosen us for your hair care needs, and we hope we’ve made your day(s) a little better as a result. Our mission is to continue to deliver the most innovative salon experience while remaining inviting, personable, and helping you — our community — look better and feel better each and every day.
”
JYL CRAVEN HAIR DESIGN 7970 Knox Bridge Highway Canton, GA 30114 Call or Text: 770-345-9411
jylcravenhaircolourstudio |
@jylcravenhair
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27
Artist Profile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
Sherry Cook
Joy of Creation
Sharing the
A
rtist Sherry Cook likes getting her hands dirty. So, when faced with a blank canvas, she said, “I’ll slap something down, and I’m off and running.” That “something” might be anything — buttons, old maps, wrapping paper, even recycled wood scraps. The results are mixed media canvasses that are rich in texture and color and often evoke a spiritual connection to viewers. From the time she was a small child sketching with her grandfather’s carpenter pencil, Cook knew she wanted to be an artist. For the past 30 years, she has created ceramics, handmade paper, folk art, frescoes, and encaustics. She has portrayed coastal and nautical subjects, animals, abstracts, birds, feathers, and angels, her current focus. “Every seven years or so, I get bored with what I’m doing and will shift and start doing something completely different,” she said, adding that her past pursuits remain integral to her artistic being. “I’m not doing folk art now, though key elements of that inform what I am doing. My favorite medium is whatever I’m doing in the present. I just like to get to my studio and start working.” Once she begins her canvas, Cook focuses and works for several hours, 28
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
excited to see what will develop. She might have a subject in mind but does not paint for a targeted audience or to create a specific mood. Her canvas might be small or very large. Her palette might be subdued or richly hued. It might include layers of paper with sheet music or compass faces on it or the interplay of various shapes. “That is the joy of creating new things. There is freedom in expressing myself and what I am called to paint,” Cook said. “Some of these paintings are based on mystical experiences I’ve had, things that come to me in meditation.” Her most recent angel paintings emanated from such an experience. “One morning, I had a strong inclination to get my sketchbook and sit in the woods and draw,” she recalled. “And, suddenly, all these images of angels came to me. And I scribbled and scribbled, and that started my last series of angels four years ago. I felt there was spiritual guidance for the images.” Cook’s angels, painted in acrylics on wood, fill the foreground of each canvas while an array of plants and flowers,
birds, butterflies, and fish create visual depth. She adds texture by applying various materials to her wooden “canvasses.” The angels portray almost all ethnicities and ages but are predominantly female. “I don’t really think of myself as a feminist, but others probably do. In my art, I often explore female theology, the goddess, female archetypes. I am a champion of women,” said Cook. Whether she is the young child sitting with her grandfather and sketching, or the accomplished artist whose works are exhibited in galleries, arts festivals, hospitals, and corporations, Cook thrives on creating. “It’s euphoric to put a lot of time in, and then see what I’ve done. It’s like a birthing. It’s very satisfying. Making something that brings people joy and brightens their day is never a bad thing,” Cook said.
For more information, or to view Cook’s art, visit SherryCook.net. Add
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The Greatest Gift that Comes With Living in Cherokee County
By Lisa-Marie Haygood
[AcademicLife] It is an amazing gift to live in Cherokee County. We have safe neighborhoods, nice homes, great entertainment, lovely parks, a wide selection of restaurants, shopping, sports, and entertainment. We enjoy safe cities, good governance, and quality schools. But one of the greatest gifts that comes with living here is the way this community rallies to support each other during times of need. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) recently announced that Transition Academy requires funding to purchase a specialty art printer for its students. The Academy has a curriculum designed to vocationally train youths with special needs up to the age of 22. The school provides opportunities for students to develop life skills and explore careers while preparing to join the work force. Staffed with caring faculty, the school is committed to helping students succeed in work and in life. The CCEF was very fortunate to receive a matching grant from the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation for half of the required funding, and Cherokee County School District school board members, teachers, families, and Cherokee County citizens
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
donated the additional funds needed. As a result, the Academy will be able to purchase the printer as well as the supplies necessary to produce high quality graphic signs and posters. The CCEF is special in that it is the only charity that serves the CCSD public schools directly and exclusively. But there are many amazing charities throughout Cherokee County that serve families in need, and the CCEF stands alongside these organizations to fill in all the gaps to ensure we keep our community great. As 2020 draws to a close, and we reflect on our many blessings during this holiday season, please consider end-of-year giving to any of Cherokee County’s quality nonprofits. Your tax-deductible donations are very much needed and appreciated.
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations
Groundbreaking Ceremony – Culver’s of Woodstock 11799 Highway 92 (vacant lot), Woodstock Restaurant
10009 Highway 92, Woodstock 678-494-6069 Restaurant
Teal Marketing, LLC
Bradford Turner Insurance Group
Faithful Adoption Consultants
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Fitness Center
Cherokee County, GA 404-913-9772 Marketing Services, Advertising
481 East Main Street, Suite 100, Canton 678-880-6294 Adoption Consultants 30
Casa Lobo Mexican Restaurant
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
270 East Main Street, Suite K, Canton 770-299-8003 Insurance
387 Goshen Church Way, Waleska 770-796-4618 Fitness Center Add
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Document Your Health Care Desires By Ferdinand Yates, Jr., M.D., M.A. [HealthyLife] When you cannot speak for yourself, you need legal documents that convey your desires. There are appropriate documents that are used for your health care decision-making. A health care agent is the person you appoint to speak for you when you’ve had a serious medical incident and cannot speak for yourself, such as if you are in a coma or if you have been deemed “incompetent” by a court of law. In appointing a health care agent (and completing a Health Care Proxy form), you allow a loved one to express your medical preferences regarding serious health care decisions, such as those involving the use of a feeding tube, respirator, or renal dialysis. This is a very good way to let everyone know how you wish to be cared for toward the end of your life.
Serving Woodstock, including Towne Lake
Be sure to complete the forms and give notarized copies to both your health care agent and your doctor. These forms can be obtained from your physician or from the Georgia Department of Health website (PutItInWriting.org). A very good way to have a tasteful discussion regarding these documents is to schedule a “proxy party” during the holidays when many family members are often already in town. This allows senior members of the family to let loved ones know what type of medical attention and care they prefer if they are ever unable to speak or reason for themselves. In doing this, the members of the family can all hear the same directions, so the appointed health care agent will have the endorsement by other family members to authorize or refuse treatments as requested by the patient. L
Dr. Yates is a pediatrician at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine, 2000 Professional Way, Woodstock. 770-517-0250. WoodstockPeds.com
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Advertiser Index Anderson Dental
25
The Cat Clinic Of Roswell
Inside Front
DMG Creative
15
EconoRides
3
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
9
Gondolier Italian Restaurant and Pizza
1
Holiday Lights of Hope
3
Jyl Craven Hair Design
26-27
Leaning Ladder
19
LGE Community Credit Union
Back Cover
Masterpiece Framer
Inside Back Cover
Merrill Gardens
5
North Georgia Vein & Wellness
1
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
3
Salon Spa Venéssa
15
ServiceWise Electric
32
Southern ENT Specialists
Cover, 16-17
Summit Financial Solutions
29
Swilling Family Law Firm, LLC
21
Technical Resource Solutions
Inside Back
Vincent Financial Group
31
VRoK Fitness
1
Woodstock Funeral Home
19
Woodstock Pediatric Medicine
Inside Front
Online ads link to advertisers’ websites. 32
Woodstock Family Life | DECEMBER 2020
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